FORTY DAYS after Easter, the Church celebrates the Ascension of Jesus into heaven. As the Preface of the Mass says, "the Lord Jesus, the King of glory, conqueror of sin and death, ascended (today) to the highest heavens, as the Angels gazed in wonder. Mediator between God and man, judge of the world and Lord of hosts."

Saint Matthew narrates that, before going to heaven, Jesus ratified the apostolic mission of his disciples: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you (Mt 28:18-20).

Dear Parishioners of Blessed Sacrament and Visitors,

In the next two weeks, we will be celebrating the Solemnity of Pentecost, a day when the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus' disciples. In preparation for this solemnity, today's gospel presents Jesus speaking to His disciples-and to us -about the Holy Spirit and how we should prepare to receive Him. Jesus says, "And I will ask the Father, and Hе will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of Truth” (John 14:16).

Dear Fellow Parishioners of Blessed Sacrament and Visitors,

The month of April, which we recently concluded, is traditionally known as the Month of the Eucharist. This sacred designation arises primarily from the gospel readings proclaimed on most Sundays and weekdays of this month, which are predominantly taken from the Gospel of John and focus on the theme of the Bread of Life. This period is also significant as it coincides with the time when many children within our diocese receive their First Holy Communion. At Blessed Sacrament, we were pleased to welcome more than 20 new members through the sacraments of Christian Initiation. Let us continue to keep them in our prayers, that they may remain steadfast in faith.

For the last two weeks we've been hearing in the Gospel readings about how fearful and disbelieving Jesus' disciples were about Jesus having risen. They were despondent, some were even in hiding weeks after having seen the Risen Jesus. But, in our First Readings, Luke's been telling us about the zeal and boldness of Peter and John as they went about openly proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. What happened between the times described in the Gospels and the times described in Acts that accounts for this?

Dear parishioners of Blessed Sacrament and visitors,

During the Easter Season, the Church presents us with scripture passages each Sunday that highlight how the Risen Lord made Himself known, not to all people, but through chosen witnesses, as we read in Acts 10:41.

Today's Gospel specifically recounts how Jesus appeared to two of His disciples on the way to Emmaus. These disciples were feeling completely discouraged, discussing how their great hopes were dashed by the crucifixion of the Lord. They were dejected, disillusioned, and despondent. The report from some women regarding the resurrection did not seem sufficient to convince them.

"Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." (John 20:27)

In my early 20s, I volunteered at a parish youth group. I witnessed teens encountering Jesus with a fresh, romantic wonder that reminded me of my own teenage conversion. But something had changed in me. I was quietly jaded and cynical. When teens shared stories of encountering Christ, I'd want to sarcastically murmur, "Well, good for you." I had grown suspicious of the zeal I once knew.

Dear Beloved Parishioners and Visitors,

Greetings in the joy of the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ!

On this beautiful Easter day, we celebrate the cornerstone of our Christian faith, as the apostle Paul aptly states, "If Christ had not been raised from the dead, then our preaching is in vain, and so is your faith" (1Corinthians 15:14). Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, Jesus has redeemed us. As the Lamb of God, He has taken away our sins and renewed our relationship with the Father through His sacrifice. The offspring of the new Eve, that is, Our Lord and Savior, has crushed the head of the offspring of the ancient Serpent, that is, Satan, as foretold in the book of Genesis 3:15. We owe Him infinite gratitude and praise!